Nigh Unto Thee

Deuteronomy 30:6-14

As the children of God continue to live through the days of end-time prophecy, it’s disheartening to witness how many are falling away from the faith. While it’s no surprise, the world is in such a chaotic state, those who professed to be children of God, seem to have gravitated more towards the things of the world, rather than obeying the commandments of Scripture, during these perilous times. I could understand if the word of God was taken away from believers, as it is in other countries, but those with the liberty to study the bible, and have access to it, seem to ignore it for other things.

Many are striving diligently to pursue personal goals, and obtain things they’ve longed for, but when God is pushed aside, all goals and plans become futile. The freedom to read and obey God’s word is a privilege that countless individuals take for granted. Many people place their hope in therapists, counselors, and life coaches, rather than first seeking God’s word on all matters. In the word of God, is everything we need to live and maintain a holy lifestyle, during these difficult times. The world will only grow worse, and men will become more heartless, so it’s wise to keep God’s word in our hearts, so that we may walk consistently in the Spirit, and avoid the dangers of sin.

Learn to appreciate the goodness of God, and His unadulterated word, because without it, all hope of an eternal security would be lost.

Hope, In Sorrow

Matthew 24:4-14

Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to an exciting episode of, “Hope, In Sorrow” starring, Jesus, and His disciples! I’m your host, “holyell”, and I’ll be bringing you all the details of tonight’s most fascinating scenes!

(Jesus sits on the mount of Olives, followed by His disciples, after prophesying persecution and destruction to Jerusalem in the temple.)

Disciples: (Removed themselves from the crowd, to have a private audience with Jesus.) Master, we heard your words concerning Jerusalem, and the things to come, but can you elaborate more on their meaning? And, when will all these things take place? Also, what shall be the sign of your coming, and the end of the world?

Jesus: Remain focused at all times, and don’t allow anyone to deceive you, because many will approach you in my name, claiming they are Christ, and will actually deceive many.

(The disciples listened attentively to the words Jesus was speaking.)

Jesus: In time to come, you will hear of wars and rumors of them also, but don’t faint, nor lose heart, because all these things must come to pass.

Disciples: Alright Master, so is this the end?

Jesus: No, not yet. There’s more…

(The disciples wonder and contemplate the possible extent of Jesus’ prophecies amongst themselves.)

Jesus: Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; and there will be famines, pestilence, and earthquakes in various places.

Disciples: After hearing all those horrible things that will take place, this must indeed be the end, right Master?

Jesus: Not so. In fact, these are signs of the beginning of sorrows.

Disciples: How could things possibly get any worse than these perils?

Jesus: In that time, men will deliver you up to be afflicted, and even kill some of you. And, you’ll be hated of all nations for my name’s sake.

Disciples: …

Jesus: Many false prophets shall rise, and deceive countless people. And, because iniquity shall run rampant in the land, many will develop hearts of stone.

Disciples: We are soon to face some extremely hard times.

Jesus: Don’t fret, because whoever endures until the end of the time of sorrow, shall be saved.

Disciples: Master, that is encouraging news! But, when will the end of the world be?

Jesus: When the gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations, then shall the end come.

*If the time of sorrow the disciples faced was only the beginning, I can only imagine how difficult the days will become for those who remain today. We can see the obvious signs of the end fast approaching, but if we endure, we will be delivered by the resurrected Jesus, who died for the sins of the world.

This concludes the exciting episode of, “Hope, In Sorrow”. Thanks for tuning in, and have a fantabulous journey!

Do Your Part

Romans 16

In a world where sin is prevalent in all societies, and hopelessness invades the hearts of many, love should always be seen among the body of Christ. Perilous times are indeed apparent, and many have lost their faith in God, but the church must continue to shine, despite the tragic state of the world, and be examples of holiness for others to witness.

Those who walk after the Spirit of God, and strive daily to live according to holiness, have a duty to love God, keep His commandments, and spread the Gospel to others. Since the fall of man, this world has never been the same. In fact, the state of the world worsens daily. Men have given in to evil desires and wicked schemes of the enemy, sickness and disease have claimed the lives of many, and others are anxious and confused, trying to find peace in these troubled lands. Fortunately, God is good, and His mercy endures forever. His love can still bring light and hope to those who believe in Him.

Saints of the past have endured more than we today could ever imagine, yet they kept their profession to holiness solid and consistent. Many great men and women took pride in representing godliness while in the midst of suffering and persecution, and God rewarded them for their faith. Today, there remains a remnant of believers, who have not given in to sin, nor the pressures of these last and evil days. For this reason, it’s very important for those who fight the “good fight”, to edify and encourage each other through it all. It’s not easy bearing the burdens of life alone, so the body of Christ must tend to each other’s needs. Learn to be strength to your fellow man, and not make them weak. Build up those who may be burdened down, and help them get back on their feet. Support those who put their lives on the line, so that others around the world can hear the Gospel message.

Everyone has a role to play in God’s plan, so be sure to do your part with all your heart. The world is becoming more difficult to endure, but trust and believe that God will keep His people protected, and sustain them according to His will.

“O LORD our God You answered”

Psalm 99

As the devastating hurricane, Dorian, sweeps through the islands of the Bahamas, and slowly creeps toward the coasts of Florida, I can imagine many of the affected inhabitants are crying out to God for help. One of the worst storms to be in, is a hurricane, because the higher the category, the more devastation it’ll leave behind. I can remember hurricane Andrew doing damage in my community during the 90s. We prayed that God would move it away, and He did, but not before it had already caused great amounts of damage. When bad things happen, it’s natural that we seek God for help, but my question is, how are we living before those bad experiences come around? While it’s one thing to live a life that pleases God during the good and the bad, it’s sad when people only remember the name of the Lord when trouble comes. When God answers my prayers, it leaves a feeling of gratefulness, gratitude, and appreciation in my heart that’s like none other, and I usually humble myself more, rather than allow pride to settle in.

God is holy, awesome, powerful, great, and the list of His attributes goes on forever! He wants to bless, and do great things for His children, but we must first realize the times we’re living in. We are truly living in the last of the last days, and God wants us focused more on His plan of salvation, than accumulating worldly treasures. “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away” (2 Timothy 3:1-5). As the world continues to grow more wicked, and storms seem to develop at unusual times, we should focus our prayers on things that are more relevant to godliness, as opposed to our own selfishness.

God has been answering the prayers of His people since the ancient times, yet their requests weren’t selfish, but aligned with His will. Our prayers must be the same way, if we expect to get a response from God. While it seems that the people of the Bahamas lost everything from the storm, if their hearts are right with God, they really haven’t lost anything that can’t be restored unto them. Let’s continue to pray that God’s will be done, not only in America, but all around the world. Consider those who have life a little harder than you do, and develop more of an appreciation for all the prayers God already answered in your life.

Walk in love,

Ell